What makes fentanyl so uniquely potent and deadly compared to other opioids? In this episode, neuroscience major Anahi breaks down her thesis research conducted in collaboration with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), exploring how fentanyl interacts with previously unconsidered nervous system receptors and the potential implications for addiction treatment and overdose intervention.

Give this episode a listen to learn more about this off-campus thesis (uncommon at Reed) and hear about the curiosity that drives Anahi, her advice on conquering thesis anxiety, and the importance of building empathy into scientific inquiry.

Reed community members can read Anahi’s thesis, “Why is Fentanyl so Deadly? The Non-MOR Mediated Effects of Fentanyl at α₂-Adrenergic Receptors,” online in the Electronic Theses Archive.